March Philly Show Recap

Well, another Philly Show has come and gone...

I've been attending the show for many years, but this past weekend was the first time I have gone on the third day.  Generally I go on Saturday, which could have its pro's and con's.  On the positive side, the second day usually has the bigger profile autograph signers, but that means it is pretty crowded.  Because I had some personal commitments on Saturday, I went on Sunday, which seemed to be less attended (than normal) and offered some good bargains...

Leaf Pete Rose, Living Legends Box

Pete Rose, Leaf Living Legends cards

I've been wanting to buy one of these boxes ever since they came out last year.  The box has 10 packs with six cards each, and either one autograph card or relic redemption.  The set contains 50 cards, and buying a box allowed me to fill out the set.  Even got lucky, and my auto card showed Pete in a Phillies uniform.

Ryan Howard Bobble heads

2006 SGA - Ryan Howard ROY bobble head

Sometimes you walk into a deal that you just can't pass up.  This was one of those times for me.  Despite what you might think, the show is not only for professional vendors, sometimes it's just a couple of guys trying to unload a few old things.  At one such booth I picked up four 2006/2007 Phillies SGA bobble heads for $35.

Spring Training Exclusive, Phillies Bobbleheads

Spring Training Exclusive Bobbleheads via @ToddZolecki

Phillies beat writer, Todd Zolecki tweeted (via @ToddZolecki) the above picture on Friday (February 22nd) with the caption, "Spring Training bobbleheads, only available at Bright House Field".  My initial thought was that this may be a first look at the 2013 Majestic Store "Exclusives", but no word yet from the Phillies.  The grouping includes three players, Cole Hamels, Chase Utley and Carlos Ruiz and a right-handed batting Phillie Phanatic.

I have not seen any of these pop-up on ebay yet, but if they are truly exclusive to Spring Training, they will definitely be a hot item back North.  Post a comment if you have any more information on the exclusives...

Update:
I have gathered a little more information from Twitter friends who have been to Clearwater.  The bobbleheads are $25 apiece, and do have a "Spring Training" stamp on the base.  So, it appears they will be a separate, exclusive release for Spring Training.  Word is they are all hand numbered with a production run of 300.  Note: The below picture of the bobble's base is from Matthew Scott's Twitter (@DaRock12283).

A look at the ST mark and hand numbering on Spring Training Exclusive bobbles

Collectible of the Week: 2001 SGA Pat Burrell Bobble Head

Pat Burrell 2001 SGA Bobble Head

It's hard to imagine a time when the Phillies promotional schedule did not include multiple bobble head giveaways, but that was the way it was prior to 2001.  For years fans had been subjected with posters and balls or hats.  That season, the team joined a number of others across Major League Baseball to replace "bean bears" with bobble heads - and history was made.

The first of two bobble promotions featured emerging star, Pat Burrell, with figurines being given to all attendees 14 and under.  The idea of having bobble heads in the image of specific players was still relatively new and the item's uniqueness, along with Burrell's popularity made this promotion an immediate hit.  Personally, I had never really had much interest in the 14-under promotions, but this one had me scheming.  Being too old to get it myself, I ended up going with my brother, and he cycled through the gates twice to secure one for both of us.

Though it is pretty simplistic when compared to today's offerings with variant jerseys, removable catching gear and creative poses, this bobble head holds its own.  It is straightforward and classic - a real pioneer in the world of Phillies memorabilia.  Not that rare on the secondary market, it can be found relatively easily for between $15-20 today.

Promotion Date: May 20, 2001
Produced by: BD&A

My Ebay Watch List: Tough Decisions

The "Buy Now" sale option on eBay offers a good opportunity for shoppers to go out and get what they want, when they want it.  Of course, when I'm shopping, I like to see a "Make an Offer" button, too!  After reaching my "watch list" limit, I spent some time and made a few hard decisions: Keep, Unwatch or Buy.  Below are few of the choices I made:

1978 Mike Schmidt, Sports Illustrated poster

Mike Schmidt Sports Illustrated Poster

I've been mulling this auction over for a few weeks. As a big fan of Schmidt's, I had a similar (later edition) Sports Illustrated poster on my bedroom wall as a kid.  The image itself is pretty good, though some spots do look like they have been "enhanced" in production.  I'd be a buyer at half-price....Unwatch.

Buy Now price: $15

1989 Score Traded, Phillies Team Set

Lenny Dykstra 1989 Score Traded

GM Lee Thomas was very busy in 1989.  He pulled the trigger on trades that moved All-Stars Juan Samuel and Steve Bedrosian off the roster and began to lay the groundwork for what would become the 1993 NL East Champions.  I thought these Score cards were very cool, and the traded design is still very appealing...Keep.

The set in the auction contains some interesting cards:

9 - Tom Herr

12 - Steve Lake

28 - Lenny Dykstra

33 - Jeff Parrett

53 - Roger McDowell

55 - Dickie Thon

60 - Randy Ready

70 - John Kruk

Buy Now price: $1.19

Hunter Pence - SGA Gray Uniform Variant

Hunter Pence SGA Gray Uniform Variant Bobble Head

The history of this SGA is well documented, and unfortunately because of Pence's trade earlier in the season, it failed to catch on with collectors.  The "standard" version has the former right-fielder dressed in the Phillies alternate home uniform.  This road gray variant has been an inexpensive target for me - the seller had it priced right to sell ($20 - free shipping)...Buy Now.

A "View" Into The Phillies 2013 Promotions

We first examined the Phillies 2013 SGAs back in November.  At that point the schedule was little more than a framework, with only a few key giveaways being named (Hamels and Ruiz bobble heads).  Over the past few weeks more specifics have been posted online...and now, with the single-game ticket sale date only two-plus weeks away, we finally get a look at a few of them:

April 6th - Kid's Opening Night (Jimmy Rollins Replica Gold Glove)

This item is replacing the tired "photo ball in a tin" promotion the team has mindlessly thrown at our children over the past few seasons.  Unlike it's predecessors, the gold glove won't likely be found in every yard sale $.25 bin...

2013 Phillies Kid's Opening Night Promotion Jimmy Rollins Replica Gold Glove

April 8th - Opening Week T-Shirt

I panned last year's offering - calling for the retirement of this annual promotion.  I think the team is breathing new life into it this season.

Phillies 2013 Opening Week Tee

June 4th - Carlos Ruiz bobble head

Here is the Phillies catcher's second SGA bobblehead (2010 was the last).  Despite the initial adverse reaction to his starring appearance in this season's promotional lineup, this will undoubtedly be one of the hottest tickets on the schedule.

Carlos Ruiz - 2013 SGA Bobble head

Ironpigs Preliminary 2013 Promotional Schedule

It's that time of year again...Phillies minor league affiliates have begun releasing their preliminary promotional schedules.  First to the plate is the team's AAA affiliate, Lehigh Valley Ironpigs, who released their calendar yesterday afternoon.  I was very impressed with last season's lineup and this year is probably as good, if not better...

Here is what you need to be aware of in 2013:

Bobble heads
It's difficult without seeing pictures, but would rank this year's bobble head class as on-par with those handed out in 2012.  There doesn't appear to be a stand-out like Jamie Moyer's Souderton HS bobble, but still solid.

Kevin Frandsen (April 9th)
Tyler Cloyd (May 7th)
Erik Kratz (May 21st)
Barbie Q (mini) (May 26th)
Ryan Howard (July 8th)

Returning Favorites
The piggy banks have become one of my favorite LV items to collect.  Rally Towels never go out of style...kids can bring them back each game!

Rally Towels (May 23rd)
Piggy Banks (July 21st)

Best of the Rest
This is where the Ironpigs have really stepped it up.  It is evident that all promotional ideas were considered by the marketing/promotions team.  In addition to the Piggy Bank, these are the items I am most looking forward to this season.

FeRROUS & FeFe Salt and Pepper shaker set (April 10th)
Scoreboard Clock (July 18th)
"Pigs to the Bigs" T-shirt (April 7th)
John Mayberry Commemorative Glass (April 20th)

Check out the Press Release from the Iron Pigs for full promotional details

Collectible of the Week: 2003 Phil and Phillis Bobble Head Variations

Phil and Phillis Bobble Head Variations (via @DrBobblesWorld)

In 2003 the Phillies sent off Veterans Stadium with a number of nostalgic promotions.  One of my favorites was the re-emergence of 1970's mascots Phil and Phillis.  The costumed characters roamed the  stadium walkways before and during the game, reminding fans of the days before the Phanatic was "born".

The Phillies started using bobble heads as a regular promotion in 2001 with (the classic) Pat Burrell and Larry Bowa giveaways.  In 2002 they introduced variants to the mix with the "red jersey" Jimmy Rollins followed by three different Phil and Phillis dual figurines the next season.  Most fans have seen the SGA version handed out "Final Innings" weekend at the Vet, but they may not know two variants - one each for Season Ticket Holders and Group Leaders - were also produced in 2003.  The overall design of the three bobbles are similar.  Key differences are that the sponsor names are only on the SGA version, and the text on the back of the base states either, "The Final Innings", "2003 Season MVP" or "Group Leader".

Variation Checklist:
Phil and Phillis - SGA (9/27/03)
Phil and Phillis - Group Leader
Phil and Phillis - Season Ticket Holder

Thanks to Dr. Bobbles World for the heads-up on the additional variations.  If you are on Twitter, give him a follow - @DrBobblesWorld

Collectible of the Week: Late 1970s, Paint-A-Player Figurine

This week I am taking a quick look at a cool item from the 1970s - Winner's Choice Paint-A-Pro/Paint-A-Player figurine.  Every once in a while I come across Phillies memorabilia from this era that just "feels" like childhood.  Like most collectors, pieces that help us connect to a great moment or period of my life hold a special place in my collection.  When I saw this on eBay I was instantly drawn to it...

Sold on a card, this 5.5"tall ceramic figurine gave every Philadelphia 10-year old the chance to create their own Phillies collectible.  Packaged in the art kit were team-color paints and logos, as well as uniform pinstripes (in case they wanted to recreate the home uniform.  Similar products were released for other Major League Baseball teams - as well as a crossover product for the NFL.

Collecting Brad Lidge

Word circulated this week that former Phillies closer Brad Lidge is calling it quits.  And though much of his Phillies career was up and down but he will forever be remembered for the one shining moment when he clinched the city's second baseball World Championship.  During his four seasons in Philadelphia Lidge became one of the most collectible Phillies.  So, as he prepares to embark on his post-baseball life it is only fitting that we look back at some of the best pieces of Lidge-themed Phillies memorabilia...

Forever Collectibles World Series bobble head

Brad Lidge Forever Collectibles World Series bobble head

Comments: I have never been a big fan of Forever Collectibles' bobble heads, having a general opinion that they often have no resemblance to the actual player (even by bobble head standards).  The World Series line (1 of 2,008) that followed the Phils' 2008 championship run is probably the only exception.  They look very sharp with the players holding the trophy while standing on a WS logo.

Autographed 2008 World Series baseball

Brad Lidge signed 2008 World Series ball

Comments: If you are collecting 2008 Phillies, chances are you have at least one Brad Lidge autograph.  His 48-48, perfect season along with saving the final game of the Series that year make him a key player in any team project.  More commonly available than previous World Series balls, one from 2008 signed by Lidge deserves a spot in your man cave.

November 11, 2008 Sports Illustrated Cover

Brad Lidge Sports Illustrated 11/11/2008

Comments: Sports Illustrated covers have to be the pinnacle of success for any athlete.  And in November 2008 Brad Lidge climbed to those heights.  I collect all the Phillies Sports Illustrated covers and this has to be one of the best...though I have always been annoyed by that "Dear Bud..." graphic that shares the frame.

My Collecting Story: Phillies Phestival Wrap-up

The 2012 Phillies Phestival was held on Thursday, July 26th - which means I am a little more than a week behind in publishing this post.  I really enjoyed this season's event - but, for some different reasons than I would have listed in previous years.  Of course, I got some great autographs from my favorite current Phillies, but this was the first season I took my (almost four year old) son to join in the fun.  The combination of these two factors resulted in a truly satisfying night.

The Autographs:

• I started with tickets for six autograph booths: Nix/Mayberry, Fontenot/Billmeyer, Pierre/Mackanin, Kendrick/Perlozzo, Roy Halladay and Jimmy Rollins.  Based on some of the draws I saw reported on Twitter after the event, my booths were middle of the road, at best.  I was extremely happy to pull the Halladay and Rollins booths - so, I won't complain.
• Halladay signed an OMLB and a cover of Sports Illustrated from the 2010 season.
• Rollins signed my 2008 Phillies team baseball and 2009 World Series Lithograph
• Everyone else, except Pete Mackanin, signed a 2012 team baseball.  Mackanin signed the 1979 team ball I have been working on.
• Purchased the Larry Andersen/Gary Matthews booth for $10
• They signed both the 1983 Phillies team baseball and team photo project.

Roy Halladay SS OMLB

Roy Halladay signed Sports Illustrated

2008 Phillies Team Signed Ball w. Rollins added

1983 Team Picture Project

1979 Phillies Team Ball w. new Pete Mackanin

Grab Bags:

Leading up to the Phestival, a lot of people asked me if the grab bags were worth $20.  In general, I have never had great success with them - getting a couple nondescript signed balls, a bobble head here and there and programs/yearbooks.  This season I let my son pick two bags since I figured all that stuff would be right up his alley and wasn't disappointed in the results.  He ended up getting an autographed Mitch Williams ball, and the 2012 Charlie Manuel group leader bobble head - both of which immediately made their way up to his dresser.  Note: My brother got a Halladay signed hat.

2012 Charlie Manuel Group Leader Bobble Head

Overall, a fun night capped off by a 15-minute session at the Phanatic play area...

Hunter Pence Bobble Head Night: It's Still On...

Hunter Pence SGA Bobble Head

The most notable piece of news to come out during the aftermath of Hunter Pence's trade to the Giants is that the Phillies will still honor the former right-fielder later this month (8/21).  The night was supposed to be one of the premier dates on the team's promotional schedule, selling out before the season began.  They most likely already have the figurines in production, and would probably cause more negative fan reaction by canceling the promo than if they just move forward as planned.  

While unusual, this is not the first time a team has kept their promotional schedule intact after a major trade.  In probably the most famous example, the Cleveland Indians still held Victor Martinez Bobble Head Night in 2009, days after the catcher was dealt to the Boston Red Sox. I am not sure what the atmosphere was that night in Cleveland, but doubt it will be overly festive for those in South Philly on the 21st.

Update (8/21):
The Phillies ended up handing out three different items at the game tonight: The Hunter Pence Bobble Head, a postcard with message from Pence to the fans and a surprise, Carlos Ruiz Fathead.  Not sure why they decided to hand out the Ruiz Fathead - wonder if there was some internal call for an alternate promotion that was discarded in the end.  Maybe a cheap alternative to satisfy anyone who was upset Pence isn't still with the team...

Giveaways from Hunter Pence Bobble Head Night

Collectible of the Week: 2007 Cole Hamels SGA Bobble Head

Cole Hamels  - 2007 Home Uniform Bobble Head with packaging

The Phillies held a "Christmas in July" promotion on July 25, 2007.  Cole Hamels started, and after the bullpen blew the game (that sounds familiar) the Phillies ended up pulling it out 7-4 behind Ryan Howard's 14th inning, two-run home run.  Historically speaking, the Phils' season was at a crossroads.  Chase Utley had just broken his hand, and with the Tad Iguchi trade still two days away things could have really gone downhill.  Of course, Iguchi came in and batted .300 over 45 games and the Phillies began their current streak of NL Eastern Division Championships.

Despite the on-field turmoil, the team had a strong promotional schedule for the 2007 season.  Some of the highlights included the Ryan Howard MVP bobble head, the Victorino "Hula" figurine, the Phanatic bobble belly and the classic "College" t-shirt.  For the Christmas in July celebration, all fans attending the game against the Washington Nationals were given the home uniform Cole Hamels bobble head.  The box featured the play on words - "Cole in Your Stocking."

Vital Stats:

Production run - 43k+
Manufacturer - Evolving Branded Merchandise
Sponsor - American Red Cross
Approximate value - Found online anywhere between $30-60


Cole Hamels Road Uniform Variant Bobble Head

Cole Hamels 2007 Away Uniform Variant

Vital stats:

Production run - 1,500
Manufacturer - Evolving Branded Merchandise
Sponsor - American Red Cross
Approximate value - $100-125

Comments - One of the more rare figurines the Phillies have given away, this version was handed to participants of a Red Cross blood drive at Citizens Bank Park on August 18th (2007).

Auction Watch: Huggins and Scott Aug. Online Auction

Huggins and Scott posted the lots for their August online auction.  Below are a few highlights from the list of Phillies-themed items up for bid:

Kevin Millwood No-Hitter Game Used Ball (Autographed) #472

Auction Description:  This OML Selig baseball was used during that performance and subsequently autographed by it "No-No" author.  The sphere features a Veterans Stadium "final season" logo and shows game use in the form of light dirt.

Opening Bid: $100 (bidding starts 7/30/12)

Link to listing: Millwood signed no-hitter ball

Comments:  Personal connection with items in my collection is really important.  As one of the crowd on that Sunday afternoon I have several items commemorating Millwood's no-hitter and this would be a good piece to add.  $100 seems a little steep for a starting bid though.

Update:
Total # of bids - 3
Final bid amount - $130
Comments - I thought starting at $100 was high and definitely would not have gone $130 - but, it is a nice piece if you have a no-hitter collection.

Kevin Millwood GU No-Hitter Ball (via HugginsandScott.com)

Figurine/Bobble Head Lot #1040

Auction Description: The "City of Brotherly Love" is the basis for this group of (5) Philadelphia Phillies figurines featuring (2) signed Ashburn pieces and (3) bobbing head dolls.

Opening Bid: $150 (bidding starts 7/30/12)

Link to listing: Lot of figurines

Comments: Though I have many in my collection, I'm not a huge bobble-head guy.  The two with round, green bases are from '62-'64.  Two versions of players were created during this time, one with the crooked cap, another with the flat cap - this lot has one of each.  The third was from the last production run of original Japanese bobbles, circa '65-'72.

My real interest is in the white uniform variant of the Richie Ashburn signed Prosport Creations figurine.  I have never seen this before - if you know anything about it, let me know!

Update:
Total # of bids - 8
Final bid amount - $250
Comments - I knew this would be a big hitter!  Still trying to find out something about the white uniform Ashburn figurine.  Great lot.

Ashburn Figurines/60's bobble heads

Coming next week: Cliff Lee Bobble Head SGA

Cliff Lee - 2012 SGA bobble head

Next week the National League West leading Los Angeles Dodgers are coming to Citizens Bank Park.  With the Phillies scuffling and MVP-runner up, Matt Kemp out of the lineup for Los Angeles, Monday's Cliff Lee bobble head may be the one reason to go to the game.  June 4th was circled on my calendar early in the winter, and I am looking forward to having this fine piece displayed soon!

Bobble-gate: The Roy Halladay Error? Bobblehead

The internet was buzzing nation-wide today thanks to Philadelphia sports fan, Marc Leif (follow him on Twitter @mleif). Leif tweeted a picture of the 2012 MLB Home Base Plate, Roy Halladay bobble head being sold by MLB.com (and other outlets such as Amazon.com) and set off a frenzy. The bobble head pictured on the product listing shows the right-handed, 2010 Cy Young award winner mid-windup, with a glove on his...right hand.

The oddity garnered both local and national attention, and eventually solicited a response from Major League Baseball.  MLB's official publicity department Twitter feed (@mlb_pr) tweeted the following message late this afternoon:

"Halladay bobble-gate:  Our licensee @weareFoCo says wrong photo was used on site, lefty version was just a sample that never got made."


This could have been the end of the story, but it is instead where the mystery begins.  Since the public response, MLB has pulled the product listing from their online store and reports have surfaced that orders placed earlier today were cancelled without explanation.  Is there a cover-up in action?  I found a listing for the product on Amazon.com (in fact, the pictures in the post were pulled from it) for $22.54.  I couldn't fight the urge to purchase one - call it a $30 curiosity satisfier.

Coming next week: Vance Worley Replica Glasses Night

If you look at the promotional schedules for the Phillies minor league affiliates you may think 2012 is the Year of the Vanimal.  So far, Lehigh Valley has honored the Phillies right-hander with a bobble head (5/1), and future promotions across the affiliates include gnomes (Reading - 7/25), pictures (Reading - 5/29), (another) bobble head (Lakewood - 7/14).  

The Iron Pigs continue the Vanimal lovefest when they hand out Vance Worley Replica Glasses to the first 3,000 fans to enter Coca-Cola Park on May 17th.  Iron Pigs Director of Promotions, Lindsey Knupp (@lindseyknupp) tweeted a picture of the latest Worley-themed giveaway this week, and I have to admit they are a solid SGA in a really good overall promotional schedule.  

Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs: 2012 Bobble Heads

Back in the dead of Winter (1/8) I took an early look at the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs promotional schedule and listed some of the "can't miss" days of the summer. Today the team released pictures of two bobble heads I can't wait to add.

Jamie Moyer HS Uniform Bobble Head - May 15th Cool that the Iron Pigs promotional staff decided to celebrate Moyer's hometown roots by honoring him in the Souterton High uniform. There definitely is a first pitch in Jamie's future after he (finally) retires. Mark your calendar for the 2020 season!

Jamie Moyer Bobble Head

Rich Thompson Bobble Head - April 23rd Unique pose will makes this one better than anticipated. Glad to see the team immortalize Rich with a bobble head...they didn't disappoint.

Rich Thompson Bobble Head

Check out the full promotional schedule here.

Jonathan Pabelbon Majestic Store Bobble Head Revealed

Jonathan Papelbon Bobble Head (via @PhilliesMCS)

The Phillies Majestic Store at Citizens Bank Park released a picture of the Jonathan Papelbon bobble head  via Twitter (@PhilliesMCS) today.  I guess it was inevitable that there would be a bobble produced for the new closer, and this one is definitely unique.  The unconventional pose sets this figurine apart from the run-of-the-mill pitcher bobble heads we have grown used to over the past 10 years.  

In a related post, the Majestic Clubhouse stated they will be previewing the 2012 season releases tomorrow (March 27th) with a 20% discount offered all day.  Good opportunity to get a peek at some of the new items, and save a little money, too.

Roy Halladay Stadium Store Bobble Head Revealed

Roy Halladay 2012 Majestic Store Bobblehead

Twitter followers of the Citizens Bank Park Majestic Clubhouse Store (@PhilliesMCS) have steadily received new images of Phillies bobble head figurines over the past few months.  First it was Vance Worley, then Hunter Pence, Chase Utley, Carlos Ruiz, Ryan Howard...and the rest (Simpsons fans applaud).  This week produced another update - Roy Halladay.

So far I have been pretty impressed with the quality that has been displayed in these bobble heads, though for what ever reason this is probably my least favorite of the group.  I think it is the pose - wish his head was looking forward, instead of having that dead stare to the left.  Overall, the set gets high marks...I'd be interested to see what the Clubhouse Store has sold in previous seasons to compare.

First Look at the Reading Phillies 2012 Promotional Schedule

The summer should be a busy one for the Reading Phillies.  With the Eastern League All-Star Classic game on July 10th as the centerpiece of their promotional schedule, the Phillies AA affiliate released their "Top 30 Promotions of 2012" this week.  The calendar is packed with the typical minor league draws: food discounts, theme nights and autograph sessions.  In addition, there are a few notable SGAs.  Here are some of the highlights (sorry, no pictures have been posted):

• Ryan Howard/Crazy Hot Dog Vendor Dual Bobble - April 5th
• All-Star Classic Autograph Session and Home Run Derby - July 10th
• Jimmy Rollins "Old School" Bobble - July 23rd
• Vance Worley Garden Gnome - July 25th
• Carlos Ruiz "Chooching" Train - August 14th
• Reading Phillies Team baseball card set - August 25th
• Harry Kalas Talking Bobble - August 27th

Also, collectors should take note to the "Reading Phillies Legend Photo" set that will be given away one photo at a time throughout the first part of the season.  The set features familiar faces who represented the team in the Eastern League All-Star game not so long ago:

• Freddy Galvis ('11) - April 9th
• Gavin Floyd ('04) - April 10th
• Gio Gonzalez ('06) - April 11th
• Mike Spidale ('11) - April 24th
• Michael Bourn ('05/'06) - April 25th
• Ryan Madson ('02) - May 8th
• Pat Burrell (1999) - May 15th
• Vance Worley ('09/'10) - May 29th
• Ryan Howard ('04) - May 30th

Reading Phillies Full Promotional Schedule

Thanks to Matt (follow him on Twitter: @bigrothy) for the heads up!